Mussel Propagation and Culture Specialist

State of Virginia • Blacksburg, VA

349d

About The Position

This position supports a comprehensive and collaborative research program on conservation and monitoring of freshwater mussels in Virginia. The Virginia Tech Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation is accepting applications for a freshwater mussel recovery specialist to be stationed at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources' Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center in Marion, VA. The candidate will work closely with the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Center at Virginia Tech to occasionally assist with field and laboratory work as part of a collaborative project to restore freshwater mussels in Virginia. Qualified applicants should possess a willingness to learn mussel and fish identification in the Upper Tennessee and Upper Ohio River Basins, have experience and/or training for the captive care of stream fish or mussels, and/or experience working in streams or other aquatic environments. Knowledge of plumbing techniques and an ability to resolve water flow and mechanical issues at an aquaculture facility is preferred but will not disqualify applicants. Qualified applicants will require the ability to hike up to a mile over course terrain several days per week, even under adverse weather conditions. Snorkeling and electrofishing experience or the willingness to participate in these activities are essential. The position will be full-time for a max of 1500 hours per fiscal year with occasional weekend and holiday maintenance duties. The position may be renewable based on performance and availability through 2027. The position will have a preferred hire date of January 13, 2025.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife or related field
• Ability to collect and identify mussels and fishes
• Skills and knowledge to propagate and culture freshwater mussels
• Ability to assist with implementing experiments
• Ability to record and enter data
• Ability to work outdoors year-round
• Ability to lift more than 50 lbs. and carry equipment for extended periods of time
• Ability to swim well
• Frequent overnight travel
• Periodic weekend work

Nice To Haves

• Experience with identifying mussels and host fishes in the field
• Examining gravid condition of mussels
• Experience conducting infestations of mussel glochidia on host fishes
• Maintaining host fishes in captivity
• Maintaining recirculating aquaculture systems
• Experience working with minimal supervision in field and lab settings
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative mussel monitoring techniques

Responsibilities

• Conduct mussel propagation and culture
• Maintain algae for feeding mussels
• Maintain fish hosts in captivity
• Conduct routine plumbing to repair leaks
• Assist with conducting research on culture methods and monitoring for freshwater mussels
• Collect fish via electroshocking
• Collect mussels from various rivers in Virginia and Tennessee
• Operate and maintain field and lab equipment to monitor water quality
• Assist with field work to monitor mussels
• Assist with administering projects and preparation of required reports

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees